Drugstore skin care products are put to the test

Sensitive skin

Bob Chamberlin, Los Angeles Times

By Melissa Magsaysay, Los Angeles Times staff writer In an effort to see for ourselves how drugstore products stack up, we took on the daunting task of checking out an array of cleansers, eye creams, wrinkle fillers and body lotions. We asked an assortment of women ages 22 to 62 to give us their opinions after trying those suitable for their skin types for a week. Their answers are in the following pages. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Facial Cleanser, $7.99, 6 ounces On the plus side: It made skin feel clean and soft (thanks to the aloe in the formula); took care of the oily parts without clogging pores, or making the skin feel dry, as cleansers often can. What we're not so sure about: The very strong aroma is almost like that of cologne. Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover Cleansing Effects Gentle Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, $6.99, 6.6 ounces Thumbs up: A little bit seemed to go a long way, and the foamy lather felt good and nondrying as it cleaned. Thumbs down: It didn't seem to remove makeup, though it did clean the skin once makeup had already been removed. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15, $11.99, 4 ounces This felt too thick and kind of chalky as it went on but absorbed to end up feeling light and lasting all day. The sunscreen is a plus. Aveeno Ultra-Calming SPF 15 Day Lotion, $16.99, 4 ounces Smelled great; lightweight and smoothed on nicely, making skin feel as if it was getting more moisture, compared with some other products. Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes Face and Eye Makeup Remover, $2.99 for 10 wipes On the plus side: extremely gentle, with no parabens, colors or harsh ingredients; very good for taking off light facial makeup. Not so good: It took two to remove eye makeup.

By Melissa Magsaysay, Los Angeles Times staff writer In an effort to see for ourselves how drugstore products stack up, we took on the daunting task of checking out an array of cleansers, eye creams, wrinkle fillers and body lotions. We asked an assortment of women ages 22 to 62 to give us their opinions after trying those suitable for their skin types for a week. Their answers are in the following pages. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Facial Cleanser, $7.99, 6 ounces On the plus side: It made skin feel clean and soft (thanks to the aloe in the formula); took care of the oily parts without clogging pores, or making the skin feel dry, as cleansers often can. What we're not so sure about: The very strong aroma is almost like that of cologne. Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover Cleansing Effects Gentle Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, $6.99, 6.6 ounces Thumbs up: A little bit seemed to go a long way, and the foamy lather felt good and nondrying as it cleaned. Thumbs down: It didn't seem to remove makeup, though it did clean the skin once makeup had already been removed. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15, $11.99, 4 ounces This felt too thick and kind of chalky as it went on but absorbed to end up feeling light and lasting all day. The sunscreen is a plus. Aveeno Ultra-Calming SPF 15 Day Lotion, $16.99, 4 ounces Smelled great; lightweight and smoothed on nicely, making skin feel as if it was getting more moisture, compared with some other products. Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes Face and Eye Makeup Remover, $2.99 for 10 wipes On the plus side: extremely gentle, with no parabens, colors or harsh ingredients; very good for taking off light facial makeup. Not so good: It took two to remove eye makeup. (Bob Chamberlin, Los Angeles Times)

Pond's Clean Sweep Micro Dermabrasion Wet Cleansing Towelettes, $7.29 for 30 wipes This is a great idea: One side cleanses, one exfoliates, and you can also use it to remove waterproof makeup. Not a plus: It took some rubbing to remove eye makeup -- and rubbing the eye area is a no-no. Burt's Bees Radiance Day Creme with royal jelly, $17.99, 2 ounces It's a heavier cream, good for dryer skin, and our tester said it made her skin glow so that even her husband noticed. If only it had sunscreen, it would be her go-to day cream. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin, $10.79, 4 ounces Very light in texture, it felt good on the skin and didn't cause problems in the oily T-zone area. The downside: It has no sunscreen. Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash, $5.99, 6 ounces This is a definite keeper. It cleans thoroughly, taking off makeup and stubborn mascara. It felt nice on the skin and smelled like a refreshing cucumber wash. A bonus: It's free of oils and soap. CVS Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover, $5.49, 4 ounces Another keeper: It removed all eyeliner and mascara in one clean sweep without leaving oily residue or stinging the eyes. Smelled appealingly of rose water. L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover, $6.99, 4 ounces Light, not heavy like a cream, and it did remove all eye makeup, including mascara. A plus: The kelly-green color looks kind of cool.

Pond's Clean Sweep Micro Dermabrasion Wet Cleansing Towelettes, $7.29 for 30 wipes This is a great idea: One side cleanses, one exfoliates, and you can also use it to remove waterproof makeup. Not a plus: It took some rubbing to remove eye makeup -- and rubbing the eye area is a no-no. Burt's Bees Radiance Day Creme with royal jelly, $17.99, 2 ounces It's a heavier cream, good for dryer skin, and our tester said it made her skin glow so that even her husband noticed. If only it had sunscreen, it would be her go-to day cream. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin, $10.79, 4 ounces Very light in texture, it felt good on the skin and didn't cause problems in the oily T-zone area. The downside: It has no sunscreen. Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash, $5.99, 6 ounces This is a definite keeper. It cleans thoroughly, taking off makeup and stubborn mascara. It felt nice on the skin and smelled like a refreshing cucumber wash. A bonus: It's free of oils and soap. CVS Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover, $5.49, 4 ounces Another keeper: It removed all eyeliner and mascara in one clean sweep without leaving oily residue or stinging the eyes. Smelled appealingly of rose water. L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover, $6.99, 4 ounces Light, not heavy like a cream, and it did remove all eye makeup, including mascara. A plus: The kelly-green color looks kind of cool. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)